Best modern take on 909 drums and acid synths?

The Lounge Other Gear
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So I am looking to sell off some unused gear and get a modern version of the classic Roland 909 synth and Roland TB303. What synths do a great job that have a better modern sequencer and user interface? I dislike quirky Roland user experiences. I have a Rytm for other drum stuff and modular drums for experimental stuff. Looking at the new Jomox Alphabase MK2 and Acidlab bassline and other options.

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Behringer td3-MO is sick, everytime I use mine I think about getting a second one. That said I don’t sequence internally I’ve hated every onboard behringer sequence experience and that’s no exception.

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me too that squelchy bass is wonderful! I can do it ok on my Roland TB03 boutique but programming it like my Roland boutique TR-08 is a royal PITA due to poor documentation and quirky user interface. I like to find ones that have a more straight forward sequencer found on Elektron boxes.

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TT303 is excellent. Really fun to use, inspiring and has a lot of decent ‘modern’ features

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I am leaning toward getting the Acidlab.de bassline 3 or the Erica Synths DB01 and maybe pair with LXR02 or another drum box. First need to offload some gear though.

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There is the Tanzbar 2, which has both a pretty sweet acid synth and 909 + 808 style drums. Super quirky though, especially the synth where you can’t “edit” the sequence, only re-enter a new one :man_facepalming:

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Behringer RD-9 and TT303 if you want cheap and modern features with real analog imho

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yup but are these still being made after Manfred passed away a few years ago? Would probably need to find one used.

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I don’t think there is a better modern version of 909 than the Nava Extra9…

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Going to repost myself here / about a modern Acid Synth:

I bought the TT-303 especially because of the generative sequencers.

For instance: in LAB mode, while playing live, I select the notes that are in the current key playing on my other synths, then select GENERATE bam! a random sequence follows my other synths. (You have 9 types of generate btw, and a MUTATE function that slightly changes the generated sequence)

Now if you don’t like the randomness of this? Well, just edit or program your own patch.
But I don’t have time for that :smiley: I love that the TT-303 just generates my sequences. And if don’t like it? I just press GENERATE again. Happy accident galore.

Sounds just great (a bit wonkey, a bit out of tune, typical analog behaviour) + easier sequencer than OG 303? TT-303 Wins.

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Yea you’d have to go used. I guess there aren’t any for sale currently, it goes in waves there were a bunch selling not too long ago.

Edit: The listing has the wrong picture, but this might be a Tanzbar 2 for a good price: Used Used MFB TANZABAR 2 Sound Module | Guitar Center . You’d have to ask. With the 10% extra on used currently its only $899 usd which is actually a steal.

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I am also a big fan of the NAVA (which was the only affordable option in 2018 for a 909 clone).
Regretted to sell my MFB Tanzmaus. Great sounds - horribly to use (like all MFB devices…)

New Kids on the Block:

  • Behringer RD-9 (No Brainer for the price and quality)
  • STEDA 909
  • RE-909 from DynSync (probably as close as you can get - never tested a device).
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decided on the trio of Erica Synths LX02, DB01, Syntrx II and for dance stuff the Jomox Alphabase MK2. Works great for me and no more GAS.

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